Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attack: Accused Rajesh Khimji a ‘Serial Offender’ With Multiple Past Cases, Say Officials

New Delhi, August 20 — The man arrested for attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunwai at her Civil Lines camp office has been identified as Rajesh Khimji, a “serial offender” with a criminal history in Gujarat, officials said on Wednesday.

Khimji was apprehended by Delhi Police shortly after the attack and has been booked under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder. Police sources confirmed that he arrived in Delhi from Rajkot by train a day earlier and stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines before executing the attack.

Past Cases in Gujarat
Officials revealed that Khimji has faced multiple cases in Rajkot over the years. In 2017, he was booked at Bhaktinagar police station under IPC Sections 326 (causing grievous hurt), 504 (intentional insult), and 114 (abettor present during an offence). He was acquitted in 2019.

In 2020, Khimji was twice booked under the Gujarat Prohibition Act for unlawful possession and transportation of liquor but was acquitted by Rajkot courts in 2023. Another case was filed in 2022 under Section 6PI and 116B of the same Act, which is still pending with the next hearing set for September 29 this year.

His most recent case was registered in 2024 under IPC Sections 324, 323, 504, 114, and GP Act Section 135(1). He was acquitted in December 2024.

Planned Conspiracy, Says CMO
The Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) described the incident as part of a “well-planned conspiracy.” CCTV footage from Rekha Gupta’s residence in Shalimar Bagh reportedly shows that Khimji conducted surveillance of the premises at least 24 hours in advance, recording videos and preparing for the attack.

“It is seen in the footage that the attacker did a recce of the Chief Minister’s residence, made a video of the place, and attempted to attack in a planned manner,” a CMO statement said, adding that the evidence has been handed over to police.

Police Investigation Underway
Officials said Khimji was in contact with a friend in Gujarat, informing him by phone that he had reached the Chief Minister’s residence. Police are now seeking his remand to probe the larger conspiracy behind the attack.

Sources added that none of Khimji’s relatives are currently in jail and that he carried no complaint or letter with him during the assault.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities treating the case as a serious security breach against a constitutional office-holder.